No
matter where you are, I'm betting your have experienced a very hot summer. So
with August -- the hottest month of all -- just around the corner, it's time to
indulge in some cool activities to get us happily through the month and into the
cooler weather of fall.

Exercise: It's hard to drag yourself outdoors
when the temps are in the 90s or higher, but if you do a little planning, this
can work for you. Try to hit the pavement as early as you can. Lately, morning
temperatures have not been that much cooler than those in the afternoon, but
every little bit counts in this game. The humidity starts to crawl upward
mid-morning so if you can complete a walk or run before that, bully for
you.

Get Outside: It seems a shame to sit in the air conditioning all
day when the summer days are a' wastin'. For those who have health problems
that may be the only safe place for them to be. But if your health isn't
compromised by the high heat, hopefully you can find something that will get you
out of doors for a short time each day like pulling a few weeds, watering (and
watering, again) flowers, sweeping the sidewalk, filling bird feeders with seed
or standing and talking to a neighbor which all quality as being "outdoor
activities" in this weather.

Hydrate: After you have braved the heat and
come back inside, drink plenty of fluids, whether you feel thirsty or not. Water
is always a good first choice, but there are also sports drinks that may help to
replenish the electrolytes etc. you have lost by sweating.

Get Ready for
Some Football: The talking heads on TV sports stations are super-excited already
about the upcoming training camp season for the NFL. If you have been feeling
disconnected from the world of football all summer, now's the time to gear up.
For diehard fans, visiting open football practices near them is like seeing the
first crocus in the spring. Fall can't come soon enough for these
fans.

Get Something Done: As mentioned above, if the temps are too high
to spend much time outdoors, this could be a great time to catch up on some
indoor projects, the ones you usually save for those weekends in the winter when
you are snowed in. You probably already have a list of these projects on hand
and with a little nudge, you could be on your way to completing some of
them.